How to Find IMEI Number on Laptop Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 21, 2025

Summary (Key Takeaways)

  • ✅ Not all laptops have IMEI numbers — only those with cellular connectivity (LTE/5G).

  • ✅ IMEI is a unique identifier used in mobile networks, just like on smartphones.

  • ✅ On Windows 11 laptops with SIM card slots or eSIM, you can check IMEI using:

    • Command Prompt (cmd)

    • Windows Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular

    • System Information tool

    • Physical device label / manufacturer’s documentation

  • ✅ If your laptop doesn’t support mobile networks, you won’t find an IMEI (instead, it has a MAC address for Wi-Fi/Ethernet).

Introduction

Ever wondered if your Windows 11 laptop has an IMEI number? If you’ve used smartphones before, you know that IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit unique identifier that mobile carriers use to track devices.

But here’s the catch: not every laptop has an IMEI number. You’ll only find it on laptops with cellular connectivity (SIM/eSIM), such as Microsoft Surface Pro with LTE, Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon with 5G, or HP Elite Dragonfly models.

In this guide, we’ll explain what IMEI is, why it matters, and step-by-step methods to find it on your Windows 11 laptop.

What Is an IMEI Number?

  • IMEI = International Mobile Equipment Identity

  • A unique 15-digit number assigned to mobile-capable devices.

  • Works just like a serial number for mobile networks.

  • Used by carriers for:

    • Device authentication

    • Blocking stolen devices

    • Managing cellular services

👉 Think of IMEI as your laptop’s passport number for connecting to 4G/5G networks.

Do All Laptops Have an IMEI Number?

No ❌. Only laptops with cellular modems (LTE/5G) have IMEI numbers.

  • ✅ Has IMEI → Laptops with SIM card slot or eSIM support.

  • ❌ No IMEI → Standard laptops with only Wi-Fi/Ethernet.

If your laptop doesn’t support cellular, you can’t find an IMEI because it simply doesn’t exist.

Method 1: Find IMEI Using Command Prompt

This is the quickest way.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + S and type cmd.

  2. Right-click Command Prompt → Select Run as administrator.

  3. Type the following command and press Enter:

    wmic path win32_potsmodem get deviceid

    or

    wmic path Win32_NetworkAdapter where "Name like '%Cellular%'" get DeviceID

  4. If your laptop has a cellular modem, the IMEI will be displayed.

⚡ If nothing shows up, your device likely doesn’t have cellular capability.

Method 2: Check in Windows Settings

Another simple method is through Settings.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Network & Internet > Cellular.

  3. Select your Cellular network connection.

  4. Scroll down and look for Properties → Here, you may see the IMEI number listed.

👉 Works best on laptops with eSIM or SIM slot.

Method 3: Find IMEI via System Information

The System Information tool in Windows 11 also shows IMEI for supported devices.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.

  2. Navigate to Components > Network > Adapter.

  3. Look for Cellular adapter details.

  4. The IMEI number (if available) will appear here.

Method 4: Check Manufacturer’s Label or Packaging

If you bought a cellular-enabled laptop, the IMEI number is often printed:

  • On the box/packaging of the laptop.

  • On a label under the laptop (sometimes inside the SIM tray).

  • In the documentation/warranty card.

Method 5: Use Your Mobile Carrier Account

If you’ve activated a SIM/eSIM in your laptop:

  1. Log into your carrier’s account portal.

  2. Go to Devices or Connected devices.

  3. Your laptop and its IMEI number should appear in the list.

Troubleshooting: IMEI Not Found?

If you don’t see an IMEI number:

  • ✅ Confirm if your laptop actually has cellular hardware.

  • ✅ Check Device Manager (look for “Cellular” under network adapters).

  • ✅ Update drivers from manufacturer’s support site.

  • ❌ If your device is Wi-Fi only → It won’t have an IMEI. Instead, note the MAC address (useful for networking).

IMEI vs MAC Address: What’s the Difference?

Feature IMEI MAC Address
Device Type Cellular-enabled (LTE/5G) Wi-Fi/Ethernet
Purpose Identifies device on mobile network Identifies device on local networks
Format 15-digit number 12-digit alphanumeric (e.g., 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E)
Resettable? Permanent Can be spoofed/changed

Why Do You Need IMEI on a Laptop?

  • 📶 To activate mobile data plans with a carrier.

  • 🔒 To report your laptop if stolen (so carriers can block it).

  • ⚙️ For technical support or warranty if cellular modem issues arise.

Conclusion

Finding your IMEI number on a Windows 11 laptop is simple if your device supports cellular connectivity. You can check it via:

  • Command Prompt

  • Windows Settings (Cellular section)

  • System Information

  • Manufacturer labels or carrier portal

👉 But remember: not all laptops have IMEI numbers. If yours doesn’t support SIM/eSIM, you won’t find one. In that case, you’ll use your MAC address instead for network identification.

FAQs

1. Do all laptops have an IMEI number?

No. Only laptops with built-in cellular connectivity (SIM/eSIM) have IMEIs.

2. How do I know if my laptop supports LTE/5G?

Check for a SIM card slot, eSIM settings, or see Device Manager > Network adapters for “Cellular.”

3. Can I find IMEI without turning on my laptop?

Yes, look at the box, documentation, or SIM tray label.

4. Is IMEI the same as a MAC address?

No. IMEI is for cellular networks, while MAC addresses are for Wi-Fi/Ethernet.

5. Can I change or reset my laptop’s IMEI?

No. IMEI is a permanent identifier assigned by the hardware manufacturer.

Related Posts:

Scroll to Top